Research presented at the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors Annual Conference reveals that Botox cosmetic therapy creates a more positive mood.

BOTOX® cosmetic injections for frown lines and wrinkles can alleviate depression, according to a new study by Michael B Lewis PhD, School of Psychology, Cardiff University UK and Dr Patrick Bowler Court House Clinic, London UK. Published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology this new research shows that relaxation of the corrugator (frown) muscles leads to less facial feedback for negative emotions. Consequently a negative mood is harder to maintain and so the person has a more positive mood.

Dr Patrick Bowler, Medical Director of Court House Clinics is unsurprised by the results of the study, and reveals that this may be one of the reasons patients are less likely to give up Botox treatments during an economic downturn.

“For many years I have noted the positive effect of Botox cosmetic treatments on my clients, including some who have been suffering from mild depression. Despite the current recession we have not seen a decline in the demand for Botox in our clinics. We now have proof that alongside the ‘feel good’ factor that a cosmetic treatment can provide, there are also psychological mechanisms at work that show treatments such as Botox that prevent frowning correlate with a more positive mood.”

Localized facial muscular paralysis is a consequence of the use of Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A; e.g. Botox® or Dysport®) for cosmetic dermatology. Treatment involves injections into the frown muscles, relaxing them for up to 6 months. The cosmetic effect of this treatment is a smoother, less-lined forehead. As well as being responsible for frown lines, the frown muscles are universally important in the expression of negative emotions including sadness, fear, anger and distress.

The relaxation of these muscles means that the ability to form facial expressions of these emotions is reduced. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that people who have received Botox treatments for frown lines are rated as showing less negative facial expressions. The facial feedback effect suggests that the paralysis of muscles associated with negative emotions may have effects beyond the outward appearance of emotion.

In order to test this mechanism, the mood of 25 patients who had received Botox treatment for glabellar frown lines at Court House Clinics was measured and compared with patients who had received other cosmetic treatments. The patients treated with Botox showed a significantly less negative mood.

“The results support the facial feedback view that frowning can make people unhappy.” says Bowler.

Dr Patrick Bowler is the founder and Medical Director of Court House Clinics, co founder and fellow of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, a not-for-profit organization, established for the advancement, education and practice of cosmetic dermatology in the UK. Members are fully GMC registered; undergo thorough background screening, training and certification. Information about specific procedures and doctors contact details can be found at www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk

If you are a medical professional and would like to learn how to inject botox, Aesthetic VideoSource has a Botox Training DVD.

Botox Injection Technique

Despite the financial pressures brought about by the recession, it seems that patients are still keen to keep up their beauty regime with regular doses of Botox as a top UK clinic reveals it was the most popular treatment of 2009.

Bookings for Botox-type treatments including Azzalure® and Botox® were up 43% compared to 2008 at the multi-award winning Riverbanks Clinic in Harpenden, with other common treatments such as Fillers, used to treat fine lines in the face increasing by 11% as well as the demand for Skin Care prescriptions rising by 26%.

Dr Jain, Medical Director at Riverbanks Clinic believes that their latest figures reflect a rising trend and a new breed of patient who puts skin health as their top priority, recognizing that a less invasive but more frequent maintenance program of treatments can provide much better, long term results.

“Many patients are now beginning to see the real benefits of combining good skin care with regular maintenance treatments for creating a long lasting, natural and radiant appearance. I’ve been telling patients for years that less is more when it comes to cosmetic treatments and the true mark of success is not when friends and family say ‘Wow you look great, whose your surgeon’, but ‘Wow you look so well, have you been on holiday? If administered correctly, Botox and fillers are an ideal way to make subtle changes to the face whilst retaining a natural look,” says Dr Jain.

Botox is the most popular name for botulinum toxin A, however there are a number of brands currently on offer at clinics including Dysport, Vistabel as well as the British derived Azzalure. All work in the same way, by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle and each surgeon tends to have their preferred brands of Botox.

However, Dr Jain is keen to remind people looking to invest in cosmetic treatments in 2010 that beauty isn’t just skin deep, but requires improvements in other areas too such as from maintaining a health diet and exercising regularly to really maximize results. According to the multi-award winning specialist, the two most important beauty tips for achieving soft, supple and revitalized skin are usually the ones that are forgotten by the majority of patients.

“Botox and Fillers can only go so far and patients must always remember to keep hydrated if they want to achieve the very best from their treatments and skin care routines. Many are surprised to learn that the skin requires more hydration in the winter because the combination of indoor heating and cold weather can dry out the skin. Also, everyone should be wearing sun cream everyday, both in winter and the summer, a minimum of SPF30 should be worn come rain or shine, even in the snow, to prevent harmful rays from damaging the skin’s surface. The less damaged the skin is, the less work we need to do,” says Dr Jain.

If you are in the medical profession and would like to learn about Botox Injection Techniques and Dermal Filler Injections, Aesthetic VideoSource has step-by-step training DVDs that teach the techniques.

Dermal Fillers Video

Botox Injection Video

The academy awards just announced the nominees for best makeup.  We’ll let you know on March 7th who takes home the oscar for best makeup from one of these three films.

“Il Divo” Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
“Star Trek” Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow
“The Young Victoria” Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore

The official announcement was made yesterday by Academy President Tom Sherak and 2008 Oscar-nominated actress Anne Hathaway.

The fourth annual Oscar®-Nominated Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Symposium will be held 2:30 p.m. March 6 at California’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This event celebrates the films—and the make-up artists and hairstylists who worked on them—nominated for an Achievement in Makeup Oscar® for 2009.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the event, which will be held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills, California. Free parking is available at 8920 and 9025 Wilshire Blvd. Starting Feb. 3, free tickets (four maximum per person) may be reserved online at www.oscars.org. Tickets will also be available the day of the show at the academy’s box office.

Each human eye has about 200 lashes. The lashes usually grow in 3 rows and have a lifespan of 60 to 90 days. If you want to apply eyelash extensions, you will increase the lifespan of the extensions by isolating lashes that are in the middle stage of their growth cycle.

Natural eyelashes grow in three stages: the Baby (short) stage, the Teenage (medium) stage, and the Mature (long) stage. You will want to attach the extensions to the Teenage medium lashes. They’re stronger than the Baby ones, and won’t fall out as soon as the Mature ones at the end of the growth cycle.

Extensions can last 3 to 6 weeks, following the lashes’ natural cycle, and are easily touched up. With proper care, the lashes should last an average of 4 weeks, and possibly longer depending on the adhesive. To maintain the lashes, clients need to return every 3 to 6 weeks for touch-ups to replace lashes lost in the natural growth cycle.

Options in Eyelash Extensions

There are many options in eyelash extensions, but the most common are more natural in appearance, though colors vary widely. The standard color is black, and there are a rainbow of colors on the market, including purple, pink, green and red as well as lash crystals for extra glam. Brown is available. However, it does not provide provide the contrast that clients are seeking.

Short lashes are 6 and 8 mm; medium are 10 and 12 mm; and long are 13, 14, and 15 mm. The medium lashes are the most popular lengths. Lashes also vary in thickness from .10 mm which is thin to .15 mm which is thick and point .020 which is very thick.

The curl of the extensions falls into a couple categories. Narrow or J curls are shaped to look like natural lashes with a slight lift. The B curl has a slight curve, and the C curl has an exaggerated curve for a more dramatic effect. There is even a Y lash, which is like two lashes joined at the base for special applications.

The number of lash extensions you’ll use will depend on what type of look you’re creating. It will also depend on the quality and quantity of your client’s natural lashes.

Obviously, the more lashes you use, the longer your service, so you can charge accordingly. A complete or full set for a first-time client can take up to 1.5 to 2 hours. A partial set is approximately one hour, and touch-ups and fills are from half-hour to an hour.

Find Out Exactly How to Apply Eyelash Extensions

The best way to learn something new is at the side of a master. Our expert is a certified eyelash extensions trainer with an extensive list of credits in Hollywood films. Click here view an excerpt of or to order our full length eyelash extension training DVD.

Massage therapists interested in conducting research or a community-service project may apply for a grant from the Massage Therapy Foundation.

The 2010 Community Service Grant Guidelines and Application are now available.

The deadline for 2010 research-grant applications is March 1. The deadline for community-service project applications is April 1.

2010 Community Service Grant Guidelines
2010 Community Service Grant Application

The Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education and community service.

For more information, including a downloadable grant application, visit www.massagetherapyfoundation.org.

BIOTONE awarded the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) in Washington, D.C., and MTTI-WellSpring in Kansas City, Missouri the annual BIOTONE Community Outreach Award. Each school will receive a $2,500 grant from BIOTONE in recognition of its volunteer program in 2009 to provide massage therapy to members of the community.

“We congratulate these two institutions for the contribution to their communities,” said Jean Shea, BIOTONE founder and CEO. “Massage therapy is about caring for and helping individuals. This empathy inspires a strong spirit of volunteerism among our industry professionals.”

The BIOTONE Community Outreach Award, established in 2007, rewards two massage therapy schools each year for helping their community, providing students with unique, hands-on training experiences and advancing public awareness of the value of massage therapy for a range of healing needs. In making its selection, BIOTONE evaluates the impact of a school’s program on the community, benefits to recipients and ability to meet stated goals.

PMTI

Under its community outreach program, PMTI provides its students with opportunities to work with people in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia who have never been exposed to massage or are unable to receive regular massage therapy. Level-one students provide touch therapy to residents of local nursing homes and retirement communities. Level-two students provide massage to staff and program participants of such organizations as Montgomery County Health and Human Services, Adult Protection Services, Whitman Walker Clinic D.C., The Austin Center for Health and Living, The Children’s Inn at National Institute of Health, Washington Cancer Institute, New Endeavors, Rockville City Hall and Shady Grove Hospital.

“PMTI feels that community involvement and outreach are important if we want to remain part of the community that supports us”, said Kimberly Lovius, PMTI executive director. “We feel it is important to instill thoughts of community service and giving in our students so that they may go out and not only be productive members of the massage community but remember that the work they do is about serving and connecting with people.”

MTTI-WellSpring

In its community outreach program, MTTI-WellSpring provided massage to a patrol unit of the Kansas City Police Department that works in one of the city’s most dangerous and crime-filled zones. The officers in the unit experience huge amounts of stress and sit in their vehicles for long periods of time.

“We wanted to reduce the police officers’ stress levels, enhance their ability to relax and work on their tight muscles,” said Jennipher Walters, MTTI-WellSpring marketing director. “As a secondary goal, we also wanted them to feel appreciated in their community for the hard work they do.

“The massage therapy students who performed the massages were greatly affected by the program. Each student involved remarked how important the community service project was to them and how it was nice to give back to these officers who protect us every day.”

About BIOTONE

BIOTONE, headquartered in San Diego, California, is the leading manufacturer of quality massage oils, cremes, lotions and gels as well as spa body and face and foot treatment products. Founded in 1980, BIOTONE is a family-run, woman-owned business. The company sells its products in the U.S. and internationally.

MASSAGE Magazine’s editor is seeking massage therapists to interview for an article on running an environmentally friendly  business. What are you doing to run a more
environmentally sound business? How is being green costing money? (Or saving money)? Contact Karen Menehan at kmenehan@massagemag.com to schedule an interview this week.

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery promotes excellence in patient care by advancing biomedical application of lasers and other related technologies worldwide. If you work with medical lasers in a clinical, research or business environment and are committed to continuously improving your field, join them and nearly 3,000 other individuals from all over the world at the ASLMS 30th Annual Conference and Courses to be held April 14-18, 2010 at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

In addition to the more than 1,500 laser specialists expected to attend, approximately 150 industry exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their latest products and services.

2010 Annual Conference Courses

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 and Thursday, April 15, 2010

* Fundamentals of Lasers in Health Care

Thursday, April 15, 2010

* Resurfacing and Contouring
* Nursing/Allied Health
* Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions
* Hair and Pigment Removal

Friday, April 16, 2010

* Laser Treatment of Patients of Color
* Complications, Controversies, and Legal Issues
* Clinicians, Basic Scientists, and Industry: Provocative Questions

Saturday, April 17, 2010

* Student/Post-Doc/Resident Opportunities – NEW FOR 2010
* Technologies for Fat Related Disorders
* Periorbital Therapies
* Photography, Treatment Documentation, and Oversight
* How to Use Optical Diagnostics in Clinical Laser Medicine

2010 Annual Conference Luncheons

Thursday, April 15, 2010

* Primary Care Physician Perspective – NEW FOR 2010
* My Approach to Fractional Resurfacing and Resurfacing
* My Approach to Skin Tightening Technologies
* Evidence-Based Laser Surgery: Optimizing Clinical Outcomes
* Non-Invasive and Invasive Fat Removal
* Difficult Cases and Complications
* Photodynamic Therapy

Scientific Breakout Sessions By Date

Friday, April 16, 2010

* Basic Science/Optical Diagnostics
* Cutaneous Laser Surgery
* Photobiomodulation
* Surgical Applications

Saturday, April 17, 2010

* The Cutting Edge: Case Studies and the Quest to Improve Treatment
* “Highlights” of Five Outstanding Abstracts
* Basic Science/Optical Diagnostics
* Cutaneous Laser Surgery
* Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial
* Photobiomodulation
* Surgical Applications

Sunday, April 18, 2010

* Basic Science/Optical Diagnostics
* Cutaneous Laser Surgery
* Photobiomodulation

If you would like to learn about Laser Hair Removal, Aesthetic VideSource has a Laser Hair Removal training DVD that you can view online or have the DVD shipped to you.

Laser Hair Removal Video

Remember those New Year’s resolutions you made? If you are like most people, they may have included learning something new, extending your current business model, or adding new services and clients to your spa. We know that it’s sometimes difficult to break out of what has been tried-and-true and branch out into new areas. Or even to simply find the time to to keep your aesthetic spa training fresh and relevant in this challenging economy.

We have a suggestion: why not head off to sunny Miami Beach for a great weekend full of learning, networking, and fun? Make your plans now to attend The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa held April 10-12, 2010 at Miami Beach Convention Center.

Included in this jam-packed weekend are incredible sessions with industry leaders on new techniques, new ways to build your clientele, and new products to adopt and love! Check out the full brochure here.

Though we love (!) it when you purchase our comprehensive aesthetic training DVDs to train you or your staff on new techniques and procedures, we also understand that sometimes an immersion weekend away from the distractions of everyday life is a good way to shake up your learning plan. Besides, it’s Miami Beach in April!

Using lasers to remove unwanted hair has become a widely popular beauty treatment in the United States. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, laser hair removal is one of the top five most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Mark B. Taylor

One problem with using lasers to remove unwanted hair is the possibility of burning or discoloring skin surrounding the hair follicle, leading to pain after the procedure. The type of laser used plays a large role in reducing adverse effects. Common body areas for laser unwanted hair removal are the face, underarms, back, bikini area, and legs. The efficacy of lasers in hair removal and the possibility for pain depends largely on skin tone and hair color (light skin with dark hair is most successful).

Recently Mark B. Taylor, M.D., wrote an article published in Aesthetic Practitioner News titled Less Painful Laser Hair Removal about the use of laser energy at lower fluences with rapid pulsing in increase the efficacy of laser hair removal while reducing painful side effects for the patient. The article provides an in-depth discussion for doctors and medical spa personnel about ways of reducing pain in the laser hair removal procedure.

Dr. Taylor is a world-renowned dermatologist and cosmetic laser surgeon who has been in practice for over thirty years. Since the origination of laser treatments for skin, Dr. Taylor has been a leader in the field of cosmetic laser surgery, pioneering and providing laser hair removal training to over 4,000 doctors world-wide.

Dr. Taylor provided his expertise as a cosmetic procedure expert in Aesthetic VideoSource’s instructional video, The Complete Guide to Laser Hair Removal (run time: 1 Hr. 44 Mins.).  In the DVD, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Christine Whitelaw, owner and medical director of Spaquena Day Spa in the Louisville, Kentucky area, discuss and demonstrate the different laser options, benefits and contraindications, hair growth cycle, treatment regimens, and procedure guidelines for laser hair removal. This laser hair removal DVD can be ordered for $175.00 plus shipping, by calling 1-800-414-2434, or by visiting our website at www.videoshelf.com.